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      6

      Saxons assembled at the Gallows Oak in Sherwood to hear what Robin had to say.

      Robin spoke, loud and clear, “This is an assembly of free Englishmen, loyal to King Richard, God bless him. He was good to us, and we were well-clothed, well-fed when he ruled. There was work for everyone. But since he left for the Crusades, Prince John and his Norman friends have given us nothing but hunger, beatings and prison. They have to be stopped. We will have to stop them. Do you all agree?”

      “Aye! Aye!”

      “I have a plan,” continued Robin. “This forest can feed, clothe and shelter all of you who wish to stay here. Those who are with us, raise your weapons.”

      Every man raised his weapon.

      “Then kneel!”

      The men knelt down.

      Robin asked, “Do you vow to rob the rich to feed the hungry, clothe and shelter those in need, and protect women and children, be they Normans or Saxons?”

      “We do.”

      “Remember that with this vow you agree to fight to death if necessary. We shall keep this country free for our king, King Richard of the Lion Heart.”

      “We solemnly swear,” the men said in chorus.

      From that day, Robin Hood and his men began what the Normans called a terrifying reign. Those who had suffered at the hands of the Normans, blessed him and his men, for Robin’s help was quick and sure.

      One day Robin, Much and Little John were walking through the forest. They found a very fat monk lying by the stream, fast asleep. The monk stirred, then awoke with a start and rushed to pick up his sword. Robin was faster and pointed his sword at the monk.

      “I’m a poor monk,” the man cried. “I have nothing.”

      “I know,” Robin told him. “We are outlaws and live in this forest. We need a priest, a holy man like you amongst us.”

      “Why?”

      “There are so many things only a priest can do – like carry me across the stream.”

      When the monk readily agreed, Little John became uneasy. Much whispered to him, “I don’t trust that man. He is Friar Tuck of Fountain Abbey, one of the best swordsmen in England. Why has he agreed to join us?”

      The four men walked down to the stream and began to wade across it. Robin was shocked when, mid-stream, the monk threw him into the water and drew out his sword. Robin swiftly swam away and drew out his own sword. He stared at the monk. Why had the man tried to kill him?

      Before he could think of an answer, the monk had rushed at him, sword raised high above his head. A long, furious fight began, that went on and on.

      Much and Little John had quickly waded across the stream and stood watching.

      The two men fought on, waist-deep in water. Both men were tiring, but refused to give up. The swords continued to clash against each other with lightning speed. Finally the monk threw up his arms and cried, “You must be Sir Robin of Locksley! I haven’t seen a better swordsman!”

      “Thank you,” answered Robin. “I was Robin of Locksley, but now I’m Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest and these are my men. May I ask who you are? You dress as a monk, yet, you are an excellent swordsman.”

      “I am Friar Tuck. I learnt to use the sword much before I became a monk. I just keep in practice, that’s all.”

      Before the men could start on their journey, Will galloped towards them at great speed. He seemed out of breath.

      “I have great news for you,” he said to Robin, but he stopped when he saw the monk.